Streams of Mercy

Last Sunday afternoon, I was asked to give the “Charge to the Pastor” at a neighboring congregation’s Service of Ordination and Installation for their new pastor. Such occasions always take me back to my own ordination, and my charge reflected my journey in special ways. I share the charge given that day.

After thirty years in ministry, the image of shepherd and sheep – the relationship of shepherd and sheep is a central part of my understanding of what we’re called to be about in the ministry to which God calls us, so I’ll begin with that. Psalm 23 speaks of the Shepherd who rests us in green pastures and beside still waters and restores our souls; the Shepherd who leads us in right paths and walks with us through darkest valleys and comforts us; the Shepherd whose goodness and mercy follow us all our days.

I charge you to live into the fullness of that relationship, allowing these gifts of God to undergird your life and ministry in this place, so that you may be the shepherd of the flock that you’ve been called to be; so that you can do for others what you’ve first allowed God to do for you.

In John 10, we hear of the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the sheep; the Good Shepherd who came that they might have life and have it abundantly; the Good Shepherd to leaves the 99 in the fold and goes out seeking the one lost sheep, and brings it home rejoicing; the Good Shepherd who speaks of one shepherd and one flock and of other sheep that are not of his fold, that need to be brought in.

I charge you in your life and ministry to be such a shepherd, seeking the lost, welcoming home the wandering, and bringing in other sheep to the fold.

In John 21, Jesus engages in conversation with Simon Peter, after breakfast on the beach. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. I ask you to hear Jesus asking you those same questions and to give your response.

1. Do you love me more than these?

(Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.) Feed my lambs.

2. Do you love me?

(Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.) Tend my sheep.

3. Do you love me?

(Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”) Feed my sheep, and follow me.

I charge you to love the people of God in ways that nourish and care for them; challenge and correct them, and help them to become the Body of Christ God intends them to be.

And one final thought, given to me on the day of my ordination, as my lifelong commission in ministry, words I now share as words of commissioning with you.

“We are simply asked to gentle a bruised world.

To be compassionate of all, including oneself.

And in the time left over to tell the old, old story

and follow in the way of God’s foolish ones.”

I charge you to be a good and faithful servant leader, stirring up the gift of God that is within you and trusting God to complete the good work begun in you. I give thanks to God for your ministry in this place.

Elizabeth